Psychological Factors Facing People with

from Health&Wellness June 2020

What’s New in Diabetes Research

June 2020 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.com | HandWmagazine &

PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS

FACING PEOPLE WITH DIABETES AND THEIR It is important to develop an awareness of psychological factors inherent in treating individuals with diabetes and their caregivers. These factors are recognized for their relationship to the

CAREGIVERS

incidence and progression of type 2 diabetes as a chronic condition.

Caregiving can have many rewards.

There are a number of psychological and emotional challenges individuals with diabetes may face. These concerns may include periods of anxiety and depression; a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness; anger directed inwardly and/ or toward their caregiver’s efforts to help them; a reduced tolerance for necessary medical procedures; and periodic refusal to cooperate with testing procedures and treatment compliance. Emotional shifts can occur as well that can effect one’s memory, self-efficacy and how one manages the stress and tension that often comes with diabetes management.

Memory as a risk factor for nonadherence may involve someone unintentionally forgetting to comply with taking medication and other treatment procedures. Selfefficacy is an individual’s belief in their

own capacity to effectively manage

their medical condition. Some people with diabetes who have an increased level of self-efficacy often have high levels of motivation to manage their diabetes with good compliance for their condition. A person’s level of self-efficacy is critical in successfully managing their diabetes because it increases the assurance the patient accepts the responsibility to perform needed actions to successfully treat their medical condition.

Caregivers are instrumental in providing assistance to a spouse, partner or family member with diabetes. Caregiving can have many rewards. For most caregivers, being there when a loved one needs them is a core value the caregiver wishes to provide.

With some people who have diabetes, a shift in roles from partner or friend to caregiver has some tradeoffs. With chronic illness, it is natural for caregivers to feel frustrated at times or exhausted, angry, alone or unappreciated. The emotional and physical stress of caregiving is common. People who experience caregiver stress can be vulnerable to changes in their own health. And with diabetes, both the patient and their caregiver(s) may experience increased stress, anxiety and depression over time because of this chronic condition.

The emotional and psychological demands involved in managing one’s diabetes can be eased by setting realistic goals for that management. Break large tasks into smaller steps that can be done one at a time. Prioritize specific tasks, make lists and establish a daily routine. Find out about resources in the community that may be beneficial to both the patient and the caregiver. Many communities have classes specifically focusing on different aspects of diabetes care and treatment for both patients and caregivers. Support groups for both can also provide validation and encouragement as well as problem-solving strategies for difficult situations. People in support groups tend to understand what others are experiencing, so this can be a good place to create meaningful friendships.

Make an effort to stay well-connected with family members and friends who can offer nonjudgmental emotional support. Establish a good sleep routine. Find time to be physically active most days of the week. Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. Stay in contact with your diabetic educator, specialist and primary care physician and seek mental health care as needed. Understanding and addressing the psychological factors facing people with diabetes and their caregivers can contribute to the adherence and compliance so necessary to live a healthy life despite diabetes.

Sources and Resources

• American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/diabetes)

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